Bulgaria to Turkey Tour: Lavender, Wine, and Ottoman Markets
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DURATION : 7 days
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START in Sofia → FISNISH in Istanbul
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GROUP SIZE: 12 – 25 ppl
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INTERESTS: Culture & History; Flowers & Nature
JUNE 29 – JULY 5, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,230 / GBP £1,060 / USD $1,380
Single Room Supplement: EUR €330 / GBP £284 / USD $370
*Please note that the primary pricing is in Euros (€), but payments in GBP (£) or USD ($) are also available, with exchange rates subject to market fluctuation.
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Visit Bulgaria’s lavender fields and an essential oil distillery
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Get lost in the colourful markets of Edirne and Istanbul
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Learn about traditional wellness practices in the Health Museum
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Enjoy Wine & SPA in Thrace – a millennial wine-making region
“What I loved most about the tour was the exceptional organization and the personal attention to each participant.”
~ Victoria D.
Tour Highlights
Discover vibrant lavender fields, wine tasting traditions of Bulgaria, lively markets in Turkey, and the intriguing Ottoman heritage of traditional medicine.
Lavender Fields & Distilleries
Soak in the soothing fragrance Bulgaria’s lavender fields, and witness the process of essential oil distillation.
Historic Sites & Bazaars
Explore Plovdiv’s charming Old Town, historic Edirne, and vibrant Ottoman markets of Istanbul and Edirne.
Traditional Medicine
Uncover the secrets of Ottoman-era traditional medicine and wellness practices on this Bulgaria to Turkey tour.
Day 1: Welcome to Sofia, Bulgaria
Arrive at your conveniently located hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. Meet your fellow travellers and tour host at a welcome dinner, where you’ll get a taste of Bulgarian cuisine and learn more about this immersive Bulgaria and Turkey journey.
Welcome Dinner | Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia or Similar
Day 2: Explore Sofia and Bulgaria’s Lavender Fields
Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Sofia, exploring sites like the ancient Roman remains, the Triangle of Tolerance, and the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Afterward, journey into the Bulgarian countryside for a traditional lunch and your first lavender encounter. Visit an essential oil distillery where you will learn about the process of oil extraction, and perhaps purchase premium-quality lavender and rose products. Later, continue to Plovdiv and enjoy a relaxed evening in this charming city.
Driving time: ~3.5 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Grand Hotel Plovdiv or Similar
Day 3: Plovdiv Cultural Tour & Wine-Tasting Experience
Start the day with a walking tour of Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the picturesque Old Town and colourful merchant houses, and admire the stunning views from the ancient Roman theatre.
Enjoy free time for lunch and walks, or take part in a hands-on essential oil workshop – an optional activity.
This afternoon, head to Bulgaria’s countryside for your Wine & SPA hotel where you will savour local wines and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Driving time: ~2 hrs | Breakfast, Dinner | Milidare Winery or Similar
Day 4: Discover Edirne, Turkey's Hidden Gem
This morning, set off for Turkey and the town of Edirne, the old capital of the Ottoman Empire. At the Health Museum, discover traditional medicinal practices once used by Ottoman physicians, offering insight into how people used traditional herbs, colours, and even music to heal the past. Visit Selimyie Mosque – a genuine jewel of Ottoman architecture and get lost in the hustle and bustle of the Old Bazaar. Evening at leisure to explore Edirne.
Driving time: ~2 hr | Breakfast, Lunch | Midis Hotel Hotel or Similar
Day 5: Istanbul Cultural Tour: Where East Meets West
Today journey to Istanbul, where East meets West. Upon arrival enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Pierre Loti Hill to admire the breathtaking views of the city. Continue to the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Check into your centrally located hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure or take a scenic boat ride on the Bosphorus – an optional activity.
Driving time: ~3 hrs | Breakfast, Lunch | Abelia Mansion Hotel or Similar
Day 6: Istanbul Old Town & Market Tour
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Sultanahmet, exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Market, and the majestic Blue Mosque. Learn the incredible history of the Hagia Sophia, once the grandest structure in the world. At the end of the tour, you can visit the Hagia Sophia museum with your local guide – an optional activity. Enjoy free time for lunch and perhaps shopping. In the evening, join your group for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, celebrating the memories and new friends made along this journey.
Driving time: ~0.5 hr | Breakfast, Dinner | Abelia Mansion Hotel or Similar
Day 7: Goodbye, Dear Travellers
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end. Take home unforgettable memories and perhaps a few Turkish or lavender-scented souvenirs from this beautiful experience through Bulgaria and Turkey.
Breakfast & Goodbyes
What's included
- 6 nights in 4-star hotels or boutique accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners (not including drinks)
- Professional Tour Host throughout the tour
- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned coach (not including airport transfers)
- Light welcome snack
- Admission to iconic cultural sites: Plovdiv Old Town Houses, Ancient Theatre, Museum of Health
- Visits to lavender fields, lavender distillery tour & wine tasting experience
Not included
- Flights to and from the destination
- Visas and passport fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Bevarages and meals outside of those described
- Gratuities for Driver, Tour Host and Local Guides: for guidelines, please click here
Reserve Your Place
Limited spots available. Before booking, feel free to check our Terms & Conditions to see what applies to this tour.
Bulgaria to Turkey: Lavender, Wine, and Ottoman Markets
DATES & PRICES:
June 29 – July 5, 2025
Double Room Occupancy: EUR €1,230
Single Room Supplement: EUR €330
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for me?
If you love traditional cultural sightseeing but also want to engage your senses through special experiences — tasting local wine and soaking in the scent of lavender — then yes, this tour is perfect for you! The fitness level is moderate; we’ll be walking through city centers, markets, and scenic spots, so comfortable shoes and a love for exploring on foot are important.
Is this an English-speaking tour?
The tour is in English. For special experiences, a local guide may speak in their native language, but we’ll provide translation into English.
What kind of hotels are included?
We aim to select unique accommodations, either in rustic countryside settings or, when in a larger city, comfortable four-star hotels located near key sites so you can easily enjoy your free time.
What is the group size?
Our typical group size is between 12–25 participants. This range offers enough people to socialise and connect, but not so many that you feel lost in a crowd.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Many of our participants are solo travellers, and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others. You can choose to be paired with another solo traveller (subject to availability) or opt for a single room supplement.
Are Bulgaria and Turkey safe to visit?
As long as you take the usual travel precautions, such as staying aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, there’s nothing to worry about! In reality, your biggest concern may be navigating the slippery cobblestone if it rains. Both Bulgaria and Turkey are fantastic destinations with friendly locals who are always ready to help.
What are the visa requirements?
Visa requirements for both depend on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Bulgaria and Turkey. While these are the general guidelines, it is essential to confirm the visa requirements with your local authorities, as rules may change. Travellers from certain countries may need to apply for an e-Visa or a traditional visa before arrival.
Please, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. We recommend consulting your local embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.
Should I carry cash or rely on card payments in Bulgaria and Turkey?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate most dietary needs, but we ask that you inform us at the time of booking to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements.
What should I bring for this tour?
For the tour, we recommend bringing breathable clothes for comfort during the day, a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable shoes for walking. Most importantly, bring your smile and a positive attitude – we want you to enjoy every moment of the experience!
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is flexible, and partial refunds may be available. For details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions page. We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for such cases.
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